Funerals

Reflections of life

Increasingly now, people are moving away from the more traditional sombre services of old and choosing to focus more on celebrating the life of their loved one.

Previously, you were offered a religious service or a service by a Humanist officiant with no spiritual reference atall.

Nowadays, there are so many options and locations available to enable us to create a unique and personal experience.

As an independent celebrant, I can offer a service entirely designed to reflect the beliefs and wishes of your loved one. Often people will say “Mum was spiritual not religious” but they may still like to include some elements such as a prayer, hymn or blessing. I will guide you through the options so that together, we can craft a service that they would be proud of.

Usually, I will come to meet with a family, a friend or executor to discuss thoughts and ideas so we can create the most fitting funeral or memorial service. I want to know their likes and dislikes, infuriating or funny habits –

all your interesting and reflective thoughts …

Every one is completely original and as unique as your special person and I will create a beautiful and personal story of their life as a contribution to their funeral service.

I welcome any input that you choose, whether it is writing your own tributes, choosing readings or poetry or taking part to create the most fitting, healing and memorable space.

Memorials

A less formal goodbye

Some people now elect for a “direct service” with no formal goodbye or ceremony.

Our loved one may have chosen a simple no-fuss final journey, but we may wish to still pay our respects and share stories, which can also help to bring a sense of closure and an opportunity to say our goodbyes.

Because we are not bound by the timings of a service, the occasion can be more relaxed and in a location of your choosing. I will come and chat to you about how you would like to create a truly special and memorable day.

Living celebrations

A unique goodbye

Why do we generally wait until someone is no longer with us before we share our thoughts, feelings and anecdotes?

I can provide the opportunity to create a beautiful and unique goodbye celebration while the guest of honour is able to join in the occasion.

The practice of “Seizenso” became popular in Japan in the 1990’s as a way of celebrating life together with friends and family before the inevitable happened.

Unlike traditional funeral services, we have time to plan and allow the principal guest to play an active part in the nature of the occasion and draw people together.

You can choose the music, any poems and personal stories and reflections.

This may be a small gathering at home or in a hospice, in the garden, a village hall, a pub or restaurant setting – it’s your choice!

For people with dementia or similar conditions, what could be more special than creating these memories before they are unable to hold them in their own minds anymore?

A diagnosis of a terminal illness can sadly happen to people of all ages and is a difficult burden to carry. I will support you in creating a celebration to fulfill

your wishes and create a safe and loving space in which to say goodbye and honour the special relationships in your life.

Please  get in touch and we can chat through any ideas or questions you may have.